Fleas are one of the most common parasites that cause skin itching and irritations in canines. And while it is common, bites from such pests can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Fortunately, there is a wide range of products that effectively protect pets against pests and parasites. One of which is the flea collar. But what is the best flea collar for dogs? Are these products safe and effective for our pets?
The best flea and tick collar for your pets should not only be effective, but it should also be safe, practical, and affordable. There are hundreds of options that you can consider, but it is best to consult with your veterinarian before using any new product on your pets. More so, we'll look into some of the most recommended flea tick collars from pet parents around the world. And we hope at the end of this review you can decide which one is the most suitable for your furry friend.
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Choosing an ideal pest control solution for your dog can be a challenge, especially if you are a new pet parent. There are also pet owners with issues of parasitic resistance to medications. Thus, there is the need to continually search for products that will enhance pest protection for your canines. Here are some common questions raised to help you decide whether using dog flea collars is the best protection that you can give your pets.
DO FLEA COLLARS WORK ON DOGS?
Dog flea and tick collars are effective preventive measures to fight an infestation of common pests. It is a great tool, especially for dogs who loved spending time outdoors. It is not the best form of protection on its own, but it will benefit your pet better if used in conjunction with other products. Likewise, the collars might work best on some dogs, but not in others.
Additionally, flea collars work as a means of prevention of an infestation. If you are looking for a cure for an existing outbreak, it may not give you the best results. You should first talk to your veterinarian on actions to take to get rid of fleas and ticks on your pet. Afterward, you can use these collars to prevent and protect your canine buddies from getting any parasitic pests.
And lastly, these collars remain useful only if your pet does not develop an adverse reaction to it. Some dogs have allergic bursts when the collars are used, so best to monitor how it works for your pets and make sure that they are not feeling lethargic or having any reactions to it.
DO VETS RECOMMEND FLEA COLLARS?
Before using any products on your pets, it is best always to consult your veterinarian first. If you have any concerns about fleas, tick, and other forms of parasitic infestation, your veterinarian will prescribe medications to address this issue. They will not recommend the use of flea collars for effectively curing fleas ticks, and pest infestation on your dogs.
These collar for dogs are obviously for pets who might be at risk of getting fleas and ticks. They are an ideal option for cats and dogs who are not suffering from an existing pest infestation. These products are effective in preventing, but they do not rate highly for curing an infestation.
Using fleas and tick collar for dogs still presents various benefits for both dogs and owners. Some collars provide long-lasting protection and prevention for up to 8 months. Some collars repel pests by emitting a low concentration of its ingredients. Likewise, it treats or kills parasites when the active ingredient seeps or is emitted into the skin of your pet. Pests have to bite your pet for this action to take effect.
If you are considering the use of pet flea collar as a preventive measure and protection for your pets, try to ask your veterinarian for their recommended brands. These products are less expensive than a spot-on treatment, but there are cheap collars that do not work well. Try to avoid them and get only the best flea collars for dogs.
MUST READ: THE BEST REMOTE DOG TRAINING COLLARS REVIEWWHICH IS BETTER - FLEA COLLAR OR DROPS?
Flea and tick are severe problems for pet owners. Fortunately, there are several treatment and prevention options that you can use with your pets. Two of the most popular types are flea collars and oral drops. So how do you know whether a collar or drops is better for your pet?
FLEA COLLARS
Repellent collars work by releasing a chemical that repels pests like ticks and fleas. But two kinds of collar fight off adult fleas. The first one has medication that seeps into the dog's fatty skin layer then spreads across their body. When a pest bites your pooch, the insecticide will kill them. And the other type of collar emits an active ingredient that kills fleas on contact - even before they can bite your pet! Other benefits of using flea collars are:
- Convenience - these products are easy to use, just pop them on your pet and they can carry on as usual. There is no need for a messy application or monthly schedule to remember.
- Affordable - collars that repel fleas are less expensive options compared to spot-on treatments and oral drops.
- Longer protection - typically, oral flea treatments protect for up to 30 days only while collars provide longer-lasting protection of up to eight months.
The use of flea repellent collars should be assessed depending on the situation you have at home. If there are young children who may touch the collar, you may expose them to potentially harmful chemicals. Likewise, large dogs may require a combination of other treatments, as collars may not be enough to protect its entire body.
FLEA DROPS OR MEDICATIONS
Similar to collars, medication for flea prevention also varies in efficacy and doses. Some are given every month, while others are daily. The main benefits of using drops are:
- Fast-acting - flea drops can kill existing fleas and prevent new infestation within 30 minutes of administration.
- Safe for pets and the home - it will not affect humans and your home.
- Prevents other parasites - usually protects from fleas, ticks, worms, and ear mites.
Administering flea pills and drops can be tricky for pets who do not like taking medications. Pet owners should think of ways to hide it in their food or treats. In some instances, these medications can cause an upset stomach and vomiting. If your pet throws up after taking his anti-flea drops, then the drug will be ineffective.
Whether you choose to use collars or oral medication to prevent fleas and pests, make sure to choose one that is suited for your pet's breed or size. It is best to consult with your veterinarian about proper medication and preventive measures to keep your pet safe from parasitic pests.
ARE FLEA COLLARS SAFE?
Most fleas and tick collars for dogs contain substances that are toxic to parasitic pests such as fleas, ticks, larvae, and eggs. Thus, it is understandable that pet owners will be worried about the safety of these products.
Compared with conventional oral medication, pet flea collars for dogs emit toxic fumes or spread active ingredients through natural oils into pet's coat, hair, and skin. These ingredients can linger on your pet's superficial areas, and there is a tendency that your pet may link on it as well.
Most of these active ingredients are non-toxic or are not harmful to your canines. However, they can be dangerous to other pets in the household. For instance, some products contain essential oils or extracts such as lavender, pennyroyal, and eucalyptus. These are toxic to other pets, especially to cats, but they are not fatal. It can cause skin irritations and allergies.
Additionally, the active ingredients in flea collars can be transferred from the canine's coat to surfaces around the home. Your pooch can rub them off on rugs, furniture, pillows, and clothing. If you have family members with sensitivity to the ingredients in the product, it can cause itching and irritation. And in severe cases, it can trigger asthma.
Although flea collars are generally safe for your pets, watch out for ingredients and chemicals which could be harmful to animals and humans. Organophosphates, especially those with tetrachlorvinphos, are considered neurotoxic and cause lethargy in pets. Products containing these ingredients are potentially carcinogenic not only for dogs but for individuals exposed to it.
Similarly, pyrethroids, which are an effective pesticide against fleas and ticks, are very toxic to cats. Some people also experienced sensitivity to products (such as Seresto Flea and Tick Collar) containing this ingredient. Thus, take caution when using and on putting them on your dog.
But generally, dog flea collars are effective and safe for our canine buddies. These products kill parasitic parasites and prevent them from infecting your dogs. You can find products designed for small dog breeds, but remember that they are for adult canines. Check with your veterinarian if you can use these products for your puppies and the proper age for using anti-flea products for puppies.
CONCLUSIONFleas and ticks are bothersome issues to have in your pets. It can lead to severe infestation and other health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, there are several treatment and prevention options that you can provide your pets. Before buying and trying out anything, check with your veterinarian whether you need to address a pest infestation with oral or injectable medications. You can also consult with your vet for a recommended flea collar and read dog flea collar reviews for a product that is best suited for your pet.
There are hundreds of products available in the market, and investing in a good collar will give you the best value for your money. Among our list, the Bayer Seresto Tick and Flea Collar for Dogs is the best flea collar for dogs that is recommended by most pet parents. If you want an equally effective but more affordable option, the MIUSSAA 2 Pack Adjustable Anti-Flea Pet Collar is the top pick for you. We hope that our review helps you find the best product for your best buddies.
How about you? Have you used a flea collar for your pets too? Let us know which one provides the most protection for your canines by leaving us a comment down below.
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